This panel is a beginning level cosplay panel, discussing issues of costume sizing and fit in a body-positive manner. Almost no one fits into the standard sizes that patterns are printed in but with minimal work that pattern can be tailored to the cosplayer for a perfect fit, no matter the size. In the era of mass market clothing, we’ve lost an appreciation for our own unique curves and sizes, and we’ve lost the benefit of a tailored fit in our daily wear.
When it comes to cosplay and any other sewing we do, however, we can cut a pattern to fit our own shapes precisely, and turn our individuality into an asset instead of a liability. When a cosplayer knows how to sew a dress to flatter and accentuate their bust or booty, they don’t need to worry that they don’t fit very well in a standard clothing size- and none of us ever do.
As a panel, we will be discussing standard fit and sizing, its origins, and demonstrating how to measure yourself accurately- without being afraid to be honest with the number on the tape. Commercial pattern companies fully expect and hope that their customers will tailor the fit of their patterns to the individual and include several tools to help do so. We’ll be showing cosplayers how to read the pattern and markings and to achieve a custom fit no matter what curves (or lack thereof) you have! We will also save a few minutes at the end for a Q&A on personal fitting issues.